pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

: any of various water-soluble substances that bind adjacent cell walls in plant tissues and yield a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

also : a commercial product rich in pectins

Examples of pectin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Blueberries are high in pectin; this jam cooks long enough to set without additional pectin and gains a rich, almost caramelized flavor. —Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

And that's because slightly under ripe fruit often contains a bit more pectin than very ripe fruit, and pectin helps things set and gel. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

Apple skin is rich in pectin, a type of fiber that improves digestion and lowers the risk of constipation, and nut butter is rich in protein.45 7. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025

Add vinegar, sugar and pectin to a small pot and bring to a simmer. —Bill St. John, Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French pectine, from pectique

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pectin

• lectin
• pecten
• amylopectin
• fibronectin
• ivermectin
• selectin

Kids Definition

pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

: any of various substances in plant tissues that dissolve in water and produce a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

also : a commercial product rich in pectins

Medical Definition

pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

1

: any of various water-soluble substances that bind adjacent cell walls in plant tissues and yield a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

2

: a commercial product rich in pectins and used chiefly in making jelly and other foods, in pharmaceutical products especially for the control of diarrhea, and in cosmetics